From the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore Maryland, USA.
This page is http://www.beautifuliron.com/italian.htm
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UPDATED September 16th, 2019.
Click on these thumbnailed pictures to see the larger photo.
An Italian gothic equestrian suit of armour photographed in June 1993. The armour collection at the Walters contains at least a half dozen complete suits of armour as well as some fragments (single pieces of armour). This harness is very light and suitable for war on horseback. Fluting is light and attractive.
Only slightly visible in these pictures is the string
attaching the top edge of the pauldron to the arming doublet beneath the helm. Normally a
leather is riveted in this area and holes are punched in the leather for lacing to the
doublet with points.
Gauntlets are of the mitten style with a cuff which
wraps completely around the wrist in the Italian style. Deep linear fluting flows from
knuckle to finger tips. The back of the hand plate is articulated to the knuckle for extra
flexibility.
Greaves are of an open style towards the inside of the calf of
the leg. The greaves are attached to the lower plate of the knee defenses and are free
floating above the solarettes. Solarettes have a detachable extension mounted to the toes
which is detached before the armour is worn.
Fauld is hung on leather in front and riveted along
rear edge. Rear fauld is riveted. Front and rear fauld are fastened together with leather
and the breast and back plates are buckled together with leather as well.
An extra plate defense is fastened to outside rear edge of cuisse, with hinges riveted in place. Upper lame of cuisse attached to arming doublet with points standard to gothic harness.
The Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, has their own website at: http://www.thewalters.org/
At this time the Walters Art Gallery website does not show armour nor do they even make mention of the armour in their collection. If the reader intends to visit this museum, make sure to call ahead to confirm the right location.
A Statement of purpose for the Walters Art Gallery does make mention of the armour collection at http://www.artcom.com/museums/vs/sz/21201-51.htm
All pictures are orginals by the author.
The author can be emailed at address in picture below:
Last update September 18th, 2000.